Aim: The decision for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AM) repair is based on aneurysm size. However, smaller aneurysms can rupture, while larger ones can remain stable. New variables and markers are needed to better select patients at high rupture risk. The study was done to analyse if AAA patients have increased levels of circulating basement-membrane (BM) fragments.

Conclusion: Based on this preliminary analysis of a small number of subjects, patients with AAA had significantly increased levels of circulating BM components. BM fragments should be studied further to establish their potential role as biomarkers for AAA.